Decatur, AL Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Section 19-18(a) of the Decatur City Code says leaves and grass clippings shall be containerized and placed for pickup on the collection day determined by the superintendent of the sanitation department. The city supplies the containers: § 19-19(a) provides one container for garbage and refuse and one separate container for leaves, grass and shrubbery trimmings, with extra containers available on request as supply allows. Each container beyond the base two costs $8.04 per month under § 19-19(b)(1).

The loose-pile allowance is seasonal and written for one window only. During the period October first to May first of each year, leaves and grass clippings in quantities greater than the equivalent of three approved containers may be placed in loose piles adjacent to the part of the street right-of-way normally used by vehicles. The pile must sit where it does not obstruct the flow of storm drainage runoff in gutters and ditches. Outside that window the containerized rule is the only one printed.

Subsection (d) covers shrubbery clippings and other small miscellaneous vegetation, including garden vegetation, which go in neat piles for collection as provided in subsection (a). Larger woody material falls under § 19-18(e): limbs cut to five feet or less and no bundle or limb over 75 pounds.

Drainage is the reason the code is strict about placement. Section 19-10(b) makes it unlawful to sweep or deposit in public streets, sidewalks or gutters any solid waste that would impede water flow or clog the storm drainage system, and § 19.5-2 lists yard wastes among the pollutants the stormwater chapter keeps out of the storm drain system. Section 19-9 requires fence companies, tree surgeons, nurseries and landscape contractors to remove their own residue and rubbish from a job site rather than leave it for city pickup.